New Mexico Resources

Las Aranas Spinners and Weavers Guild, Albuquerque, NMLas Aranas Spinners and Weavers Guild was formed in 1971 by a group of spinners and weavers in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area to provide education and learning experiences for its members and increase the awareness of and appreciation for fiber arts. They offer workshops on dyeing wool with plants native to the Southwest.

The Ark of Taste aims to rediscover, catalog, describe and publicize forgotten flavors.The Navajo-Churro is considered endangered by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Only 2000 sheep are now registered with the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association. The Navajo-Churro sheep is a part of the Slow Food's "Ark of Taste" project.

Other Resources

American Livestock Breeds ConservancyThe American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect over 150 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. Included are asses, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Founded in 1977, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is the pioneer organization in the U.S. working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock.http://www.albc-usa.org/

ATTRA Livestock PublicationsThe resources offered here deal with sustainable livestock production literally from the ground up. Pasture management, feeds and forages are covered by several publications, while others address care and management for specific animals and marketing of the products derived from them.https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/livestock/

Cotton and Wool OutlookThis is a newsletter published by the Economic Research Service of the USDA which is published 10 times per year. The publication examines supply, use, prices, and trade for cotton and wool, including supply and demand prospects in major importing and exporting countries. Data is included on raw fibers and textiles.http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1281

Handling and Marketing WoolThis is a resource website from the University of Maine's Cooperative Extension. The site describes grading and classifying wool, handling wool and improving the quality and value of your wool crop. Also includes links to wool resources in Maine and a list of wool terms.http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2070.htm

Alpaca Owners and Breeders AssociationThe mission of AOBA is to facilitate the expansion of a strong and sustainable alpaca industry through the growth and development of the national herd and its products. Information about how to subscribe to Alpacas Magazine is available on the website.http://www.alpacaowners.com/

American Sheep Industry AssociationASI is the national organization representing the interests of more than 69,000 sheep producers located throughout the United States. From East to West, farm flocks to range operations, ASI works to represent the interests of all producers.http://www.sheepusa.org/

Organic Wool Fact SheetIn order for wool to be certified as "organic," it must be produced in accordance with federal standards for organic livestock production. This document from the Organic Trade Association covers the standards necessary for certified organic wool.http://www.ota.com/organic/woolfactsheet.html

Wool and Mohair Marketing Assistance Loan: Farm Service Agency of the USDAWool and mohair nonrecourse marketing assistance loans are nine-month loans that provide eligible producers with interim financing on their production. The loans facilitate the orderly distribution of loan-eligible crop throughout the year.http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=prsu&topic=col-nl-wm